CAS Expected To Rule On Vinesh Phogat Plea Before Olympics Conclude

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected to make a final decision on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's appeal against her disqualification before the conclusion of the Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh turned to CAS after her shocking disqualification by the organizers just hours before the women's 50kg final on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old Indian athlete was disqualified for weighing 100 grams over the limit just before her gold medal match against the USA's Sarah Hildebrandt. The IOC not only disqualified Vinesh but also denied her a silver medal, further stunning the Indian camp.

The Wrestling Federation of India, the Indian Olympic Association, and Indian supporters reacted strongly to Vinesh's disqualification. In response, Vinesh announced her retirement from wrestling and appealed to CAS for a silver medal.

According to a media advisory from CAS, Vinesh challenged the IOC's decision at the Ad hoc Division, seeking another weigh-in before the final match but did not request an urgent hearing.

"The applicant initially sought a decision from the CAS Ad hoc Division annulling the Challenged Decision and ordering another weigh-in before the final match as well as a declaration that she be declared eligible and qualified to participate in the final," the CAS media release stated. "However, she did not request urgent interim measures. The CAS Ad hoc Division procedure is fast, but it was not possible for a decision on the merits to be issued within an hour, bearing in mind that the Respondent UWW would have had to be heard first.

"The procedure is, however, ongoing, and the Applicant has confirmed that she seeks the annulment of the Challenged Decision and requests to be awarded a (shared) silver medal. The matter has been referred to the Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (AUS), acting as a Sole Arbitrator, who will hold a hearing with the parties today. The Sole Arbitrator's decision is expected to be issued before the end of the Olympic Games."